Thelma Ruth (Ratliff) Stidham

On Monday, August 4, 2025, Thelma Ruth (Ratliff) Stidham, age 87, died peacefully at her home in Dayton, OH. She was surrounded by family and cradled in love from those near and far.

Thelma was born November 20, 1937 in Hyden, KY to the late Dona (Johnson) and John Ratliff. She and her only sibling, Christine (Denver) Morgan enjoyed a lifelong and loving bond over the years, still talking daily by phone.

Thelma was a proud and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always enjoyed attending her family’s sports and activities. She was a talented seamstress and clothed her family well during the “polyester years” including many lovely dance and prom dresses. She loved jigsaw puzzles and baseball, was a keen Rummy partner, and she always made the best fried chicken. Thelma was a dedicated homemaker and held down the home, inside and out, while raising her family.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Ballard Stidham. She tenderly cared for his every need through his slow battle with dementia until his death in 2022. Thelma and Ballard are survived by their five children: Vicki (Rick) Rose, Beth (Eric) Crabtree, Donna (Steve) Wright, Linda (J.C.) Wallace, and Jeff (Sue) Stidham. Thelma is also survived by grandchildren Brian, Clinton, Nathan, Amanda, Jared, Jason, Cara, and Josh, as well as 14 great grandchildren, and many other loving family members.

A celebration of remembrance will be held at a later date and she will be buried alongside Ballard, in her home town cemetery in Hyden KY.

Thelma’s family would especially like to thank Care360 Hospice of Dayton for their care and support during her brief illness.

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